Dward Troughton (1753-1835) - Odometer, Mechanical Wheel - London

Odometer or pedometer, Known as a Waywiser or Geometer's Wheel, A WAYWISER is a mechanical wheel used to measure distance, often with a dial similar to that of a clock, with measurements in yards, miles, furlongs, rods, chains and links. It usually resembles a large cart wheel, most were made using the same process. This elegant eighteenth-century waywiser is built of pine with a brass bezel and hands finely decorative. The London-based scientific instrument firm Troughton was founded in the mid eighteenth century. It was quickly recognized as the leading producer of scientific instruments in London. The youngest member of the Troughton family, John Troughton, became one of the most important contributors to the development of astronomical instruments in the eighteenth century. He became a published member of both the Royal Societies of London and Edinburgh, and his publications earned him the Copley Medal in 1809. The origins of mechanical measurement and distance recording can be speculative traced back to 336–323 B.C. when Alexander the Great employed bematists for his campaign in Asia. As Donald W. Engels contends in his publication, "Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army," "Small discrepancies in distance can be adequately explained by slight changes in road routes over the last 2,300 years. The accuracy of measurements implies that bematists used a sophisticated mechanical device to measure distances, undoubtedly an odometer as described by Hero of Alexandria." This process was revived in the seventeenth century with the development of the waywiser, modern versions of which are still used in surveying today. This process contributed to cartographic accuracy in the seventeenth century, paving the way for the future of European cartography. This splendid waywiser represents the best example of the instrument in the history of topographic technology and demonstrates the highest quality craftsmanship. 126 cm in height at its highest point.

Estimate:£4,653.57

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